In this new bonus episode, Lauren Skae (formerly Zen Blonde) and Celene Beth discuss Jessica Reid Kraus, the Instagram & Substack creator of House in Habit, and her troubling history of harassing sexual assault survivors who speak out against powerful figures in Hollywood. They examine Kraus' role in enabling toxic behaviors, the harm it caused to survivors, and how her actions further traumatized those speaking out, all while hindering the fight for accountability in the industry.

The conversation then turns to Armie Hammer with Lauren sharing how she became involved in the House of Hammer docuseries after covering the actor’s familial scandals on TikTok. She reflects on the emotional toll of the case and the importance of supporting sexual assault survivors along the way.

The episode also touches on controversial figures like Nick Fuentes, whose post-2024 election rhetoric continues to spark fear in SA survivors around the country. Lauren gives her take on Fuentes’ influence in the political and cultural landscape.

Finally, no conversation with Lauren and Celene would be complete without discussing Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, other Utah-based reality docuseries, and what life is really like in Utah!

This episode offers an insightful look at Hollywood scandals, the fight for justice, and the role of pop culture in shaping public perception and narratives!

In this episode, Kristen Akers Gozdecki, a seasoned television producer and executive, shares her journey through the world of true crime and documentary storytelling. Beginning her career in 2001 with American Justice on A&E, Kristen went on to work on high-profile projects such as the Emmy-nominated Inside 9/11 and a two-hour National Geographic documentary on the war in Afghanistan.

Over the past decade, she has produced and executive produced true crime content for major platforms like A&E, Investigation Discovery, Oxygen, and Paramount+. Kristen opens up about how the events of September 11 profoundly impacted her, both personally and professionally, and how her experiences with trauma have influenced her approach to storytelling, particularly in the true crime genre.

Kristen also reflects on her love for Jim Henson’s creative legacy and Susan Harris, the creator of The Golden Girls, revealing how these figures have inspired her. As she works on her first independent documentary set to air nationally on PBS in 2026, Kristen shares insights into her evolving focus on ethical true crime narratives and the delicate balance of honoring victims while navigating the complexities of public interest.

This episode offers a candid look at Kristen's career, her personal growth, and her thoughtful approach to true crime and documentary filmmaking.

In this episode, Celene Beth sits down with Rita Isbell, sister of Errol Lindsay, one of Jeffrey Dahmer’s victims. Rita’s emotional courtroom statement in 1992 became a pivotal moment in the trial, but for decades, the media reduced her identity to that single instance of grief and anger.

Rita opens up about how her portrayal, particularly in Ryan Murphy's Dahmer series, retraumatized her, as the show dramatized her personal pain without consent or respect for her full story. Despite these challenges, Rita shares how she has worked through her grief and found healing, focusing on the beauty of nature, music, cooking, and travel to help her move forward.

Her journey is one of resilience, showing that while trauma shaped her past, it has also fueled her growth into a woman who embraces life’s joys and finds peace along the way.

Follow Rita on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rita_isbell?lang=en

In this special bonus episode of True Crime & Hollywood Off Script, we flip the script as guest host John-Michael Lander takes the reins to interview our very own Celene Beth Olsen. Known for her powerful storytelling as a filmmaker, producer, advocate, survivor, and podcast host, Celene opens up in a way you've never heard before.

In this episode, Celene Beth highlights the career of Farrah Fazal, an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning investigative journalist known for her work in true crime and unscripted television and film. Renowned for her trauma-informed approach, Farrah excels at conducting sensitive interviews, connecting deeply with her subjects to tell complex, human stories with empathy and integrity.

In this week's episode, Celene Beth sits down with Pebbles Sarmiento to discuss who she is today - a courageous survivor, advocate, and voice for those who have endured trauma and abuse. As a former member of the notorious Tony Alamo Christian Ministries, Pebbles' early life was defined by fear, manipulation, and severe abuse. But her story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of reclaiming one's life after unimaginable hardship.

Throughout this conversation, Pebbles shares her journey not only as a survivor of the cult, but as a woman who has worked to heal, rebuild, and empower others facing similar struggles. She talks about the importance of finding your voice, the ongoing process of healing, and how she uses her experiences to help others navigate their own paths to freedom and recovery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about survival, strength, and the power of personal transformation.

**Trigger Warning:** This episode discusses themes of violence against women, including sexual violence, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You are not alone, and help is available.

In this episode, Celene Beth sits down with Jenny Gnirke, a seasoned reality television producer whose career began with P. Diddy and has evolved into showrunning ID's hit series, "Disappeared." Jenny shares her journey through the world of reality TV, highlighting her storytelling process and the importance of fostering empathy for both participants and audiences.